Seanad debates

Wednesday, 14 November 2007

Business of Seanad(1 speech) I have received notice from Senator Donie Cassidy that, on the adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Health and Children to...

Order of Business(89 speeches) The Order of Business is Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 16. It is proposed that No. 1, motion re the establishment of a Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, No. 2, motion re the...

Joint Administration Committee: Motion(1 speech) I move: That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, the Standing Orders of Seanad Éireann relative to Public Business are hereby amended as follows: (1) in Standing Order 89 by the...

Road Safety: Statements(6 speeches) I apologise on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey, who cannot be in the House. He intended to deliver this speech which I am making on his behalf. This...

Second Report of Committee of Selection: Motion.(1 speech) The Committee of Selection reports that it has nominated Senators Paudie Coffey, Fiona O'Malley, Ned O'Sullivan and Joe O'Toole to serve on the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security.

Road Safety: Statements (Resumed)(30 speeches) We all welcome the opportunity today to have a debate on road safety. As Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport during the last Dáil, I had the privilege of working with a...

Pension Provision: Motion(15 speeches) I move: That Seanad Éireann commends the Government on its publication of the Green Paper on pensions as a first step towards ensuring that as our society ages there is adequate pension...

Visit of Uruguay Delegation(1 speech) Members of the House will wish to join me in welcoming a parliamentary delegation from Uruguay led by His Excellency, Enrique Pintado, speaker of the House of Representatives. On my behalf and...

Decentralisation Programme(2 speeches) I refer to the proposed decentralisation to Mallow of Fáilte Ireland. I was once an employee of Fáilte Ireland and I seek clarification for my former colleagues who want to know where they...

Musical Education(3 speeches) I thank the Cathaoirleach for giving me the opportunity to raise this important and evolving issue. Recently there have been a number of reports on parents spending money on sending their...

Debates this month

What is the Seanad?

Seanad Éireann is the upper house of the Oireachtas. Within 90 days of its being
passed by the Dáil, the Seanad may propose amendments, reject or pass a Bill.
The Dáil has the power to over-ride the Seanad's rejection of a Bill. If the Bill is
a 'Money Bill' and relates to government spending, the Seanad has only 21 days to consider
the Bill and may not make amendments. The Seanad consists of 60 members known as Senators. They are not elected by universal franchise; you can
read about the Seanad's composition
here.